The strongest storm in 10 years has hit Hong Kong, with dozens in hospitals and hundreds seeking refuge in shelters.

Typhoon Vincente, given the highest category 10 rating by the Hong Kong Observatory, slammed the territory on Tuesday, injuring more than a 100 people, 72 of whom were hospitalized.

A scaffolding is seen collapsed atop a residential building in the aftermath of Typhoon Vicente in Hong Kong. ( AFP Photo / Philippe Lopez )

Winds of more than 140 km/h tumbled trees and forced dozens of flights to be canceled or rerouted from Hong Kong Airport. The stock exchange delayed its opening on Tuesday because of the damage caused by the typhoon.

AFP Photo / Philippe Lopez

Flooding from the torrential downpour was also reported in some areas.

More than 200 people were forced to stay in shelters opened by the government.

AFP Photo / Philippe Lopez

Though Vincente is heading towards China’s Guandong province, the gale-force wind warning was still in effect for Tuesday from the Hong Kong Observatory.

Chinese shopkeepers watching as strong winds and rain batter Shenzhen, southern China's Guangdong province as Typhoon Vicente roared to within 100 kilometres of Hong Kong shortly after midnight. Scores of people were injured and trees were ripped from the ground as a typhoon lashed Hong Kong packing winds in excess of 140 kilometres (87 miles) an hour, officials said. ( AFP Photo / China Out )

Waves and strong winds battering the seafront in Shenzhen, southern China's Guangdong province as Typhoon Vicente roared to within 100 kilometres of Hong Kong shortly after midnight. Scores of people were injured and trees were ripped from the ground as a typhoon lashed Hong Kong packing winds in excess of 140 kilometres (87 miles) an hour, officials said. ( AFP Photo / China Out )